Code Enforcement: Process and Performance. December 19, 2017

Transcription

1 Code Enforcement: Process and Performance

2 Purpose Background Ordinances and Processes Presentation Overview Performance Statistics Challenges Strategic Goals Conclusion

3 Purpose Respond to questions from Commissioners involving issues like negligent landlords, commercial property maintenance standards, enforcement of liens, post-hurricane Irma enforcement Describe the philosophy, enforcement processes, structure and performance of the Code Enforcement Division Discuss scenarios that are a challenge for Code Enforcement Explain goals that can enhance performance

4 Purpose Background Ordinances and Processes Presentation Overview Performance Statistics Challenges Strategic Goals Conclusion

5 Background Mission Statement The Code Enforcement Division protects neighborhoods by seeking voluntary compliance through enforcement and education

6 Background Philosophy Minimum health, safety, aesthetic standards Enforcement, outreach directed toward code compliance Recognition of hardships, repeat offenders

7 Background Compliance Equals Lower % of neglected/vacant properties means less opportunity for crime Strengthens neighbor relationships and increases community awareness Higher property values and affordable housing

8 Background PARTNERSHIPS (Internal and External) Sheriff s Office I-Drive Chamber Housing Division Neighborhoods Division Zoning Division Division of Building Safety OUTREACH Community Meetings County Web Site HOAs Communications Division ENFORCEMENT Code Enforcement Board Special Magistrate

9 Background

10 Background Population 1.3 Million and 800,000 (unincorporated) Approximately 700 square miles (unincorporated) FY 17 Budget $7m Staff of 62 County Demographics

11 Background County Demographics Orange County 40 Officers square miles/officer City of Orlando 23 Officers 5 square miles/officer

12 Background Government Service Center-311 Code Enforcement s front door Complaints received by phone, , web site, 311 app Call takers assign complaints to Code Enforcement Officers Citizens can follow up to learn status of complaint

13 Background 311 Calls TOP 311 COMPLAINTS 5,297 FY 16 13,509 Lot Clean Up 3,048 Zoning Violation

14 Purpose Background Ordinances and Processes Presentation Overview Performance Statistics Challenges Strategic Goals Conclusion

15 Ordinances and Processes What We Enforce Ch. 9 Property Maintenance Ch. 28 Nuisance (junk vehicle, lot cleaning) Ch Signage Ch. 38 Zoning

16 Residential and commercial structures Dangerous structures Life safety issues Landlord/tenant Ordinances and Processes Ch. 9 Property Maintenance

17 Grass and/or weeds over 18 Accumulation of trash, junk or debris Emergency and repeat lot cleanings Ordinances and Processes Ch. 28 Nuisance Lot Cleaning

18 Vehicle must be licensed and operable Parked inside an enclosed garage Parked under carport and covered with a manufactured auto cover Noncompliance results in vehicle being towed by county contractor Ordinances and Processes Ch. 28 Nuisance Junk Vehicles

19 Ordinances and Processes Ch Signage Illegal right-of-way signage Commercial properties On-site signage Off-site signage

20 Ordinances and Processes Ch. 38 Zoning Land use permits Mobile vending Dual rear wheeled vehicles RVs, boats Construction without permits Accessory structures

21 Ordinances and Processes Lot Cleanings and Inoperative Vehicles

22 Ordinances and Processes Zoning and Property Maintenance Violations

23 Ordinances and Processes Ordinance Enforcement Methods CEB/SM Hearing Zoning* X 35% Property Maintenance Nuisance --junk vehicle --lot cleaning X 14% Percentage of Caseload 50% *includes sign code

24 Purpose Background Ordinances and Processes Presentation Overview Performance Statistics Challenges Strategic Goals Conclusion

25 Performance Statistics Source of Incident FY 17

26 Performance Statistics Percent of Incidents by Type FY 17

27 Performance Statistics Incidents by Commission District FY 17

28 Performance Statistics Number of Days to First Inspection FY 17

29 Performance Statistics Incident Compliance Rate FY 17 (26,000 incidents)

30 Purpose Background Ordinances and Processes Presentation Overview Performance Statistics Challenges Strategic Goals Conclusion

31 Challenges Economics and Demographics Income and overall economy Crime Population growth Low homeownership

32 Challenges Enforcement Parameters Time frames in ordinance Property rights and legal requirements Cases requiring hearing take longer to process No authority to close down businesses or to remove occupants

33 Challenges Liens Imposed by CEB/SM Liens are valid for 20 years Promote neighborhood redevelopment by reduction of fines and release of liens upon compliance Local governments have authority to foreclose on code enforcement liens Public safety/negligent landlords

34 Challenges Lien Foreclosure Considerations Homestead property not subject to foreclosure on code enforcement liens What will the county do with the property Superior liens to the county Environmental contamination

35 Challenges Problem Scenarios Party houses Negligent landlords Minimum commercial building standards

36 Challenges Post-Hurricane Irma Enforcement Code Enforcement Officers assigned to citizen debris sites September 12, limited enforcement Complaints were triaged and inspected as necessary Released to full enforcement duty November 19 Violation notices being issued, more time for compliance on roof repair and fences

37 Challenges Success Stories 1703 Montview St.

38 Challenges Success Stories - Houses Rehabilitated th St.

39 Challenges Success Stories Habitat for Humanity W. Pine St.

40 Purpose Background Ordinances and Processes Presentation Overview Performance Statistics Challenges Strategic Goals Conclusion

41 Comprehensive outreach strategy Grow the commercial enforcement unit Staff training and development Continued use of technology Weekend work schedule Strategic Goals

42 Purpose Background Ordinances and Processes Presentation Overview Performance Statistics Challenges Strategic Goals Conclusion

43 Conclusion Code enforcement processes are effective High rate of compliance Time frames reasonable given due process requirements and other constraints Exceptional situations are exceptional Still often able to obtain a positive outcome Foreclosure suits Sheriff s Office and other partners

44 Thank You Conclusion